Christmas 1945 was a time of joyous homecomings. World War II was finally over. Uncle Sam was discharging service members as fast as he could. Most were welcomed home with open arms and warm embraces — except for their commander in chief. This is what happened when he decided to head home for the holiday.

Harry and Bess Truman’s marriage was one of the presidency’s greatest love stories. Truman fell in love with Elizabeth Wallace the first time he saw her at age six in 1890. She loved him with equal fervor.